- GRWP BASGEDWYR CYMRU -

WELSH BASKET MAKERS GROUP


WBMG Members learning how to make
a Cyntell, a traditional deep-frame basket
on a course in March 2001
 		The Welsh Basket Makers Group was formed in February 2000, by a small informal group of South Wales Basket Makers, who had a desire to extend their network across Wales.
The group set out to organise an annual programme of activities and events which would reflect the active interest of it's members.
The Welsh Basket Makers Group aims to promote the craft of Basket Making, Willow Growing and allied skills, across Wales.
A quarterly newsletter is produced to circulate WBM news and information amongst it's members.

A professional Basket Makers list is available to the Public, please tick below if you would like to receive it. The list gives details or Basket Makers who are willing to work to commission; or who give demonstrations and workshops.

Membership Information:

The WBM Group's activities are co-ordinated by an annually elected steering Committee.
The group is however dependant on all its members playing a part in its development. WBM Members are asked to actively contribute to:
- Volunteering ideas and suggestions
- The Organisation of Regional Events
- Newsletter Articles
The subscription rate is currently £7.50 per year.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Welsh Basketmakers Group, please fill in the form on the bottom of the page.

The History of Basket Making in Wales

Basket Making is one of the oldest and most diverse crafts.
During the Iron Age the man-made environment was largely woven and it it thought that this inspired Celtic Art.

The traditional baskets of Wales were for domestic and agricultural use, for fishing and transport.
Examples are willow, hazel and oak framework baskets; straw lip and coiled work; the Tea Things Basket; lobster pots and fish traps, the Upside-Down Peat Carrying Basket and the coracle, the shallow, hide-covered boats, that have a frame work made from willow and hazel, which have been traditionally used for fishing on the welsh rivers.

Contemporary Developements:

- Creative Weaving with man-made and/or recycled materials
- Willow Sculpture
- Living Willow Structures
- Garden Structures
- Synthetically dyed willow
- Hedgerow Basketry

List of local willow weaving courses:

Date: Location: Course: Level: Lecturer:
Sat, 4th of November 2006 National Botanic Garden of Wales,
Carmarthen		 Living Willow - Cutting, planting and maintaining living willows sculptures Beginners Jo Steadman
Sat, 18th of November 2006 NBG Living Willow - Cutting, planting and maintaining living willows sculptures Beginners Jo Steadman
Sat, 25th of November 2006 NBG Willow Structures - learn how to make fence panels and plant supports Beginners Jo Steadman
Sat, 2nd of December 2006 NBG Willow Structures - learn how to make fence panels and plant supports Beginners Jo Steadman
Sun, 3rd of December 2006 NBG Christmas decorations - from willow and other natural materials (1/2 day - morning or afternoon) Beginners Jo Steadman

All classes with Jo Steadman at Middleton, the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire,      SA32 8HG.

For further information and to book, please contact the Gardens on 01558-66 87 68 or email: 

info@gardenofwales.org.uk.


If you would like to become part of the Welsh Basket Makers Group, fill in the form below.

My name:
My e-mail address:
My phone number:

I would like the list of Professional Basket Makers.

I would like the list of the list of Welsh Willow Growers / Suppliers.

Further comments:


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